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| Mars map by Schiaparelli 1800s |
Mars Connect
The Changing Face of Mars
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| Mars - Amateur Astronomer Telescopes |
Over the years, the face of Mars has dramatically changed, due to advances in observing equipment and the invention of new technology.
Maps from the 1800s do not resemble maps in 1970. Maps in 1970 do not resemble the maps of 2018. In the 1800s, Mars maps were based on visual observations and hand drawn. By 1970, maps were based on telescope photo-graphs taken with film and filters. The advent of the Hubble Space
Telescope in April of 1990 again changed the appearance of Mars Maps.
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| Mars Hubble Space Telescope 2003 |
The continual introduction of spacecraft to Mars and landers helped
create very high resolution views with many craters, volcanoes and polar
cap detail. When comparing a modern view of Mars with a historical
view, it may be challenging to identify specific regions.
Also over the
years, Mars has been ravaged with global dust storms that change the
appearance of the surface. Today, one has a choice of many different and
highly specific Mars maps.
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| Mars Viking Spacecraft |
